Question: I’m applying for a summer research job for students at a college near my home. I’m a sophomore bio major and I worked at a lab in my own college during the fall and the job sounds pretty interesting but I’m nervous cause I haven’t had to apply to anything like this before. The application says to give 4 letters of recommendation plus an essay. I don’t know who to get to write letters. I have a coach I can ask. Would it be bad to ask my high school guidance counselor? He knew me pretty well, but I haven’t seen him in more than two years. And where should I get the fourth letter? I don’t know too many people back home anymore. ~ Abby T., Tempe, AZ

Answer: A summer research opportunity can be a very beneficial experience, especially if it is doing work that you might want to do long-term. Typically, colleges ask for letters of recommendation from people who have observed your work, and even better, people who have supervised your work. Ideally, these are people who have seen your research ability and can speak knowledgeably about your capacity to conduct research. Most colleges also typically prefer to see letters written by faculty. You mentioned working at a lab at your college. Would the supervisor at your college’s lab be willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation? Perhaps you could also ask a biology professor who is familiar with your work? Do you have any other professors who have observed your research or academic work? Even a letter written by a faculty member from a different department who can write a strong letter on your behalf can be powerful. If you can get three of the four letters written by faculty at your own college, that would be good. A current work supervisor of a campus job would also be a good person to ask to write a letter.(more…)

Everything I Knew about the College Job Hunt Was WRONG – And Here’s How You Can Succeed from LinkedIn Higher Education Sweet Careers Consulting does not receive any reward, (monetary or otherwise), for publishing this presentation; it is provided as a resource to you, our valued readers.

Question: I’m a senior [in college] and it seems like everyone is stressing out about full-time employment. Is this really the right time to start looking? ~ T.L. Answer: It’s really never too early to start your job search, but stressing might not be the best answer, either. The job search process can take time (6-15 months, depending on your […]

With all the festivities of the end of the year behind us, it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to make the coming 12 months count. Whether we admit them or not, we all make a resolution or two come December 31st, and branching out into a new career is always a popular ambition.
In the current economic climate, choosing the right industry is paramount as you want to enter into a field with ample opportunities and the versatility and fluidity to progress, which is why this year’s crop of job seekers are flocking to construction.

Construction has a lot to offer any ambitious, hardworking individual; from bricklaying to project management, there is a wealth of opportunities waiting to be snapped up. So how can you lay the foundations for success in 2014? By making your first step consulting recruitment experts like PSR Solutions, you can receive expert advice and access to the latest positions and training, and by following the advice of industry experts, you can make sure you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes to career success.

Making Education a Priority
There are many routes into the construction trade, but with a solid degree you can keep your options wide. Choose a course that is accredited by professional bodies like The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to ensure your education will help you get the right jobs. The project management and surveying sectors are going from strength to strength and a degree in the field will help you get your foot in the door.

The right degree won’t just help you enter into the UK construction industry; building and infrastructure projects are booming all over the world and the lucrative experience you gain in your education can get you in some fantastic positions.(more…)

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Your personal college career center. We help college students, recent grads and young professionals make the transition from college to work. Key audience: college students, recent graduates, young professionals, seekers with no experience, international students, immigrants.